Three Ministries Launch 'Custom-Blended Fertilizer' Program to Reduce Costs, Boost Efficiency, and Address Fertilizer Crisis
Three Thai government ministries launched a custom-blended fertilizer program to help farmers reduce production costs and prepare for potential supply disruptions, offering tailored nutrient formulas based on soil analysis via a mobile app.
Three government ministries—Agriculture, Higher Education, and Labor—have jointly launched the 'Custom-Blended Fertilizer for Thai Farmers' initiative to address production costs and build sustainable prosperity for farmers through innovation and workforce development. Deputy Agriculture Minister Watchrapol Khwao-kham, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanon Wongsawat and Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat, presided over the project launch at the Udon Thani Agricultural Marketing Cooperative. The Agriculture Ministry recognized the urgent need to prepare farmers for potential impacts from Middle East tensions by introducing custom-blended organic and chemical fertilizers as a new strategy. The program promotes balanced fertilizer use tailored to crop and soil requirements based on soil analysis using test kits and a 'Soil Health Friend' mobile app accessible via Line. The three-pronged approach targets reducing production costs, restoring soil resources, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanon emphasized that Thai agriculture is heavily dependent on imported fertilizer and the government is adopting proactive measures to transform Thai agriculture through innovation, using cooperatives as intermediaries to deliver technology to farmers. Agriculture Ministry initiatives include negotiating fertilizer feedstock import quotas from Russia to expand supply channels. The government cabinet subsequently visited Udon Thani Rajabhat University to inspect occupational skills training programs offering courses in community cooking, electrical work, air conditioning repair, emerging professions, and Korean language, designed to create supplementary income for farmers during off-seasons.
